When was the last time you checked to see when your EHIC cover is due to expire? Although most of us check passport expiry when organising a holiday, years can go past without ever looking at that little blue and white card which allows you to access healthcare in many countries in Europe on the same basis as residents of the country you’re visiting. Many people also mistakenly believe that EHIC does not have an expiry date when in fact the card is valid for five years from the date of issue. According to figures from the NHS – the official government body which administers issuing of EHIC cards in the UK – 7.1 million EHIC cards are due to expire in 2016. This is substantially higher than the number which expired in 2015, and if cards are not renewed, the holders risk not being covered should they need to access healthcare while travelling in Europe. EHIC entitlement is not affected by the recent vote to leave the EU, and until the UK formally leaves the EU, the system remains unchanged. Not having EHIC cover means you either have to have a travel insurance policy which covers you for medical expenses, or have funds available to pick up the entire cost of your treatment, which could run into thousands of pounds if you need surgery or to stay in hospital.

Spike in EHIC expiry

There is no clear reason why so many EHICs are due to expire in 2016 compared with 2015 or 2017. It does mean though that with 7 million EHICs due to expire, and the regular volume of new applications, that it is more important than ever to be organised and ensure that you don’t leave it until the last minute to sort out renewing cover for all members of the family. If you renew an EHIC within 6 months of the expiry date, the additional five years will be added to the card. If when you check your card you realise that there is less than a year of validity left, make a note on the calendar or in your phone to put the renewal process in motion when the 6 month mark is reached.

What If My EHIC Has Expired?

If you don’t notice that your EHIC has expired until you are in the position of needing to access medical help in an emergency, then all is not lost. You can apply direct to the NHS for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) by calling their Overseas Healthcare Team during office hours. If you can give them the details on your expired card, this will make the process of organising the replacement certificate quicker. The PRC will be sent direct to the healthcare provider concerned to let them know that you are eligible to be treated under EHIC rules, and should avoid any hefty invoices. Getting a PRC doesn’t mean that you don’t have to renew your EHIC, and this should be done as soon as possible.